SW1Hooked on Helvetia TOUR

Featuring Spring & Fall Festivals

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Scenic train trip to Interlaken;
Spectacular Jungfrau day excursion;
Lucerne town tour;
Zermatt and the Matterhorn;
Famous Glacier Express to St Moritz

DATES & PRICES

FULL ITINERARY

MAP & HOTELS

TRIP INFORMATION

Dates & Prices

To book this tour, please refer to the sidebar ►

Prices are in US Dollars (USD), before taxes (if applicable) - All pricing reflects per-person Land Only expenses, however, we can book flights from virtually every city. Please call us for an air quote.

Start Date

End Date

Price

More Info

Wed 16 Sep 2015

Tue 29 Sep 2015

$3792

Tue 03 May 2016

Mon 16 May 2016

$3792

Wed 14 Sep 2016

Tue 27 Sep 2016

$3792

Optional Single Supplement: $740 (number of singles limited).

Tour Overview

History has given Switzerland little land, but nature has blessed it with the finest natural sights in Europe. The scenic lakes and rivers seem to have a special sparkle. The Alps make Switzerland a truly three-dimensional country; from the air or from the valleys, they are truly spectacular. The cities, while relatively grand, blend charm and comfortable human-scale settings. And the inheritance of several different cultures can be seen in ancient Roman roads and amphitheaters; in monasteries and chapels built for pilgrims; and in Renaissance and Baroque art. Though not often regarded as an "adventurous" touring destination, uber-organized Switzerland can be many things to the traveller. To us it is one of the most culturally-diverse countries in Europe and, without question, one of the most visually impactful. This is truly a land in three dimensions, and our small group, low-impact approach benefits beautifully from our Swiss hosts' efficient and scenic rail system, which we prefer over large buses. This trip never fails to thrill even the most adventurous.

Full Itinerary

To book this tour, please refer to the sidebar ►

Day 1Arrive in ZurichToday we arrive in Zurich.

Overnight in Zurich. Meal plan: dinner

Day 2Zurich: City tour - Train to BernThis morning we visit the Fraumunster Cathedral, with its slender blue spire, designed in an orthodox manner. It is small in size but is richly ornamented and adorned with paintings, frescoes and stained glass windows, some of those have been executed by Marc Chagall. The site of the Cathedral was originally a Benedictine abbey established in AD 853, later converted into a Royal Cathedral in the 14th century. The chief attraction of this church are five stained glass windows, each with it's own thematic colour scheme, designed by Chagall in 1970.

A short train ride takes us to Bern, Switzerland's capital city with a medieval town centre (designated a World Heritage Site) dating back to 1191. The old town is framed by the Aare River and offers spectacular views of the Alps.

A walking tour in Bern will allow us to see some of the town squares and rows of limestone buildings and medieval arcades, its Renaissance fountains with colourful figures, and the beautiful Cathedral surrounded by picturesque rooftops, Bern is truly a gem of medieval architecture in Europe. Bern is the birthplace of Einstein's relativity theory, cradle of Toblerone chocolate and home to the largest Paul Klee collection in the world.

Overnight in Bern.Meal plan: breakfast,dinner

Day 3Bern - Solothurn - MontreuxThis morning a short train ride takes us to Solothurn, regarded as the finest Baroque town in Switzerland, where Italian grandeur is combined with French charm and German practicality. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, the Catholic town of Solothurn was the residence of the French king's ambassador. Fine Baroque and Renaissance buildings, such as the noble Palais Besenval, and magnificent religious buildings greet the visitor at turn; the Old Town has eleven churches and chapels and the same number of fountains and towers. Truly magnificent is the St. Urs Cathedral, with a façade donated by Louis XIV, and an Italian-style staircase in front. Inside are wonderful Baroque stuccos. The town walls, which are still intact in some places, were built according to the principles of the French military engineer Vauban.

We return to Bern to pick up our bags and then take the train to Montreux on Lake Geneva. We have now left the German-speaking part of Switzerland and entered the French-speaking area. This provides a completely different cultural and historical atmosphere. Secondly, we have left the area of snow-capped mountains and entered a region with a Mediterranean climate. This area is known as the "Swiss Riviera". Montreux's lakefront boulevards are studded with palm trees. The town is a favourite get-away for rock stars and hosts one of the world's most famous jazz festivals each year.

The long, flower-bordered lake promenade which links Vevey and Montreux and then onwards to Chillon Castle is wonderful for an evening stroll.

Overnight in Montreux.Meal plan: breakfast,dinner

Day 4Montreux - Gruyeres - Lausanne - MontreuxThis morning we travel by train to the picturesque town of Gruyeres in the Canton of Fribourg. The main street is lined with 15th and 17th century houses with twin windows and wide eaves. The cobbled street slopes down to the town fountain before rising again towards the castle. The 15th century castle affords excellent views of the wooded slopes and jagged mountains rising all around. We tour the castle which was formerly home to the Counts of Gruyeres.

This afternoon we visit the charming town of Lausanne on Lake Geneva. The town enjoys lovely views of the lake and the surrounding Alps. Many poets and writers, from Wordsworth to T.S. Eliot have enjoyed the flourishing artistic climate of Lausanne. Lausanne is still an important centre for art and entertainment, the Palais de Beaulieu and the Theatre Municipal frequently hosting dance and musical performances. The town is also the home of the International Olympic Committee and has a museum to the Olympic Games.

At the centre of the old town is the Place de la Palud lined by old houses and the Renaissance facade of the Town Hall. In the square is the charming 17th century Fountain of Justice. The nearby 15th century Castle St-Marie is today the seat of local government. The 12th century Cathedral is considered one of the finest Gothic buildings in Switzerland. In a 600 years old tradition, a town crier climbs the cathedral tower to call each hour between 10 pm and 2 am each night. A few years ago, when the government voted to withdraw funding for the town crier, the people of Lausanne voted to keep the tradition going through popular donation. This evening we return to Montreux.

Overnight in Montreux.Meal plan: breakfast,dinner

Day 5Montreux - Freiburg: Walking TourA short train ride from Montreux takes us to Freiburg, nestled on a rock promontory and surrounded on three sides by the Saane River. Freiburg is one of the largest medieval towns in Uechtland. Over 200 unique Gothic facades from the 15th century impart medieval charm to the Old Town. Ramparts that are over two kilometers long used to protect the city in the past. Most impressive, however, is the Cathedral of Freiburg with its extraordinarily beautiful stained-glass windows. Construction started in 1283 and continued in several stages; dedicated to St. Nicholas, it boasts a 74-meter-high tower that offers a fantastic panoramic view.

Day 6Train to Grindelwald: Excursion to Mount JungfraujochThe Bernese Oberland village of Grindelwald at the foot of the famous north face of the Eiger is well-known, thanks to its magnificent vista and the glacier which once reached right into the basin. Grindelwald attracted its first guests, primarily the English, from the late 18th century onwards. The actual breakthrough of Alpinism occurred in the mid-19th century, and local mountain guides climbed the peaks of the region with English adventurers. The first ascent of the Eiger took place in 1858 (the north face was successfully climbed only in 1938).

Road and railway construction made Grindelwald more accessible by the end of the 19th century and first cableway in the Alps was built here in 1908 on the Wetterhorn. In 1912, a railway reached the Jungfraujoch via Kleine Scheidegg; today the Top of Europe still remains Europe's highest railway station and a world-renowned excursion destination with permanent snow and ice.

After dropping our luggage at Grindelwald, we take the train to Jungfraujoch, an excursion that takes us to over 3300m (11,000 feet). After travelling 6 km (4 miles) through a tunnel in the mountains we emerge at Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. From here, on a clear day, we can see the immense Aletsch Glacier in one direction and the whole of the Interlaken area laid out below us.

Time-permitting, we may visit Gletscherschlucht (Glacier Gorge) near Grindelwald.

Overnight in Grindelwald.Meal plan: breakfast,dinner

Day 7Grindelwald: Excursion to LucerneWe depart Grindelwald this morning and travel by train to Lucerne.

The over 600 year old covered bridge in Lucerne is one of the most recognized symbols of Switzerland which makes the city a major destination for travellers from all over the world. However, Lucerne and the region around Lake Lucerne are also the heart and soul of this country. It was in this region that in 1291 Switzerland was founded by the oath of the representatives of the first three cantons.

Lucerne is situated on both sides of the Reuss River where it exits Lake Lucerne. The old town is charming with narrow streets and buildings in many styles. Lucerne is particularly famous for its covered wooden bridges. The watertower on the restored Kapellbrucke is a well-known landmark. The intact Spreuerbrucke features painted scenes inside illustrating "The Dance of Death". After spending some time enjoying the delights of Lucerne we take the train back to Grindelwald and have the evening free to explore the pretty village on our own.

Overnight in Grindelwald.Meal plan: breakfast,dinner

Day 8Grindelwald - ZermattThis morning we travel by train into the mountains to the ski resort of Zermatt. This relaxing town has no cars (electric taxis are the only motorized transport) and sits in the shadow of the magnificent, jagged peak of the Matterhorn. The views of the 4478 m (14,692 feet) mountain are stunning. You feel so close that you could reach out your hand and touch the peak!

We take the famous Gornergrat cog railway from Zermatt across stunning bridges, through galleries and tunnels, idyllic forests, past gorges and mountain lakes with the Matterhorn continually in the field of vision, to the observation at Gornergrat located at a height of 3,089 metres. Surrounded by 29 four-thousand metre high peaks, by the highest Swiss mountain (Dufourspitz in Swiss, better known as Monte Rosa) and by the third-largest glacier in the Alps (Gorner Glacier), it offers a mountainscape panorama that couldn't be more overwhelming.

The balance of the day is free to explore Zermatt.

Overnight in Zermatt.Meal plan: breakfast,dinner

Day 9ZermattFor those who wish to have a closer view of the Matterhorn and would enjoy some gentle hiking, we make an excursion to the foot of the Matterhorn. The first section of our ascent is by cable car to Furi -- 1865 m (6,119 feet). From here we take a second cable car to Furgg -- 2434 m (7,985 feet). The views here of the Theodul Glacier and surrounding Alps are awe-inspiring. Another short cable car ride takes us to the plateau below the Matterhorn where there is a small lake called the Schwarzsee. In this flat area we walk a path around the lake drinking in the mountain vistas and savouring the fresh mountain air. There is a beautiful spot for a picnic near an old chapel by the lake. After our easy-paced walk we return by cablecar to Zermatt. Please note that if the weather is poor other sightseeing will be substituted this day.

For those who do not wish to join today's excursion, the day is free to enjoy the wonderful mountain panorama and clean mountain air from the town of Zermatt itself.

Overnight in Zermatt.Meal plan: breakfast,dinner

Day 10Zermatt - Glacier Express - St MoritzToday we take the spectacular Glacier Express train ride. Round every corner are mountains and more mountains, small villages, cows with clanking bells, glaciers, blue lakes and rushing rivers. The full length of the Glacier Express route from Zermatt to St Moritz passes over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. For much of its journey, it also passes along and through the World Heritage Site known as the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes.

The train is not an "express" in the sense of being a high-speed train, but rather in the sense that it provides a one-seat ride for a long duration travel. In fact it has the reputation of being the slowest express train in the world. The entire line is metre gauge (narrow gauge railway), and large portions of it use a rack-and-pinion system both for ascending steep grades and to control the descent of the train on the back side of those grades.

We arrive in St Moritz late this afternoon and transfer to our hotel.

Overnight in St Moritz.Meal plan: breakfast,dinner

Day 11St Moritz AreaThis region has many significant mountains and ski resorts, the most famous of which, and possibly the most famous ski resort in the world is St. Moritz. The town lies in two parts beside Lake St Moritz, and is located at 1856 m (6,089 feet) and surrounded by mountain peaks, such as Piz Nair at 3057 m (10,027 ft). The resort is still very exclusive and expensive, attracting the rich and famous, attracted to, among other things, the healing powers of its mineral waters.

While in Moritz, we will have an excursion to Zernez to visit the museum of the Swiss National Park.

Overnight in St Moritz.Meal plan: breakfast,dinner

Day 12St Mortiz - Liechtenstein - St GallenFrom St Moritz we travel by train and bus to the Principality of Liechtenstein, one of the world's smallest states with one of the highest per capita incomes. Lying on the right bank of the River Rhine between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is only 160 sq km (61 sq miles) in size with a population of less than 30,000 -- one third of whom are foreigners.

Although Liechtenstein's independent status allows it to be a tax haven, the functioning of the country is heavily integrated with that of Switzerland. There are no border formalities involved in crossing between the two countries but you can get a Liechtenstein stamp in your passport.

Liechtenstein uses the Swiss phone and postal systems, the Swiss Franc is the local currency, and Liechtenstein is represented abroad by Switzerland's diplomats. However, Liechtenstein has no army, is a monarchy, and issues its own highly-collectable postage stamps. The capital city, Vaduz, is built around the castle. We explore the narrow streets and visit the National Museum. This afternoon we return to Switzerland and make our way to St Gallen.

Overnight in St Gallen.Meal plan: breakfast,dinner

Day 13St Gallen - Appenzell - ZurichThis morning we explore the Old Town of St Gallen. The town became exceedingly prosperous in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries due to the linen industry. In the streets leading off the Marketplatz there are many handsome 17th and 18th century houses. St Gallen's most famous attraction is its cathedral, part of which dates from the 10th century. Here we see the colourful ceiling paintings and visit the library.

From St Gallen we make our way to the delightful town of Appenzell, one of the most traditional towns in Switzerland. Here many folk arts flourish and many houses have whimsical paintings on their walls. With about 7,000 inhabitants, Appenzell is the cultural center of Appenzell Innerrhoden, the smallest Swiss canton. The car-free village beckons with pretty lanes and myriad small stores and boutiques that are ideal for browsing. The facades of the buildings are decorated with frescoes and Appenzell Museum located in the town hall, shows a cross section of Appenzell's history and culture.

Continue to Zurich.

Overnight in Zurich.Meal plan: breakfast,dinner

Day 14DepartureDeparture from Zurich.

BON VOYAGE!Meal plan: breakfast

Tour Map

To book this tour, please refer to the sidebar ►

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

Hotel List

The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.

Hotel Montana

Rating: Location: ZurichCountry: SwitzerlandThe Best Western Hotel Montana is located 300 metres from the Zurich main station and close to the Sihl River. ...offers stylish rooms, fine French cuisine and free Wi-Fi.
All rooms are equipped with a satellite TV, a minibar and a safe. All sights and attractions of Zurich can be easily reached on foot or by public transport.

Rating: Location: ZurichCountry: SwitzerlandThe hotel will surprise you wiht cheerful decorations of different contemporary Zurich artist. 80 rooms with free internet connection..../>
Leoneck is located in the heart of Zurich, a short walk from the station, shops, banks, university and hospitals. Direct tram connection from/to airport, fair ground, main railway station.

We welcome tourists and business travellers. Air conditioned rooms on request. Read More.

Rating: Location: MontreuxCountry: SwitzerlandIn front of the Casino and at 200 meters from the lake, the hotel is located in the heart of ...It is an ideal start to the main tourist attractions of the region.

Rating: Location: ZermattCountry: SwitzerlandThe Aparthotel Hemizeus *** is located in the southern and quiet part of Zermatt and offers a stunning view onto ...Matterhorn.

In the mornings you can ski directly from the hotel to the cable car station of the Matterhorn Express lift and to the bus stop if there will be enough snow in the winter. After skiing you will reach our hotel by ski directly from the intermediate station Furri to Zermatt.

In the summer you will see our hotel surrounded by nature and fresh mountain air, that is an ideal for rest and relaxation! The first trails of Zermatt can be reached quickly and easily. You will reach the village center of Zermatt only in a twenty minutes. Read More.

Rating: Location: ZermattCountry: SwitzerlandThe Hotel Jägerhof is situated just outside the village centre of Zermatt and most of the rooms offer a fantastic ...of the Matterhorn. The village centre is easily reached from the hotel on foot. It is also only a five minute walk to the Kleinmatterhorn cable-car station.

Rating: Location: St. MoritzCountry: Switzerland"In the heart of St. Moritz, our restaurant offers an excellent range of specialties such as homemade sweets and the ...patisserie from our own confectionery. We are eager to create a relaxed atmosphere for our guests at all times and to ensure that their stay is a comfortable one. Our hotel is a friendly place, where we aim to fulfill even the smallest needs of our guests in our own unique way."

Rating: Location: St. MoritzCountry: SwitzerlandSt. Moritz has many faces. Great slopes, a vast web of hiking trails, high end fashion boutiques, unique events such ...White Turf and the famous Engadin hospitality welcome all sports enthusiasts, jet setters and people in search of peace and quiet alike. The Hotel Piz St. Moritz is situated in the middle of this sophisticated village.

The clear architectonic statement of the building is pleasingly taken up in its interior design. The alpine chic of the atmospheric lounge warmly welcomes the guests and the clear and serene design of the generous rooms emanates a contemporary warmness. They offer every modern convenience and entice relaxation.

The hub of the house is the restaurant with pizzeria where the skilfully incorporated Swiss stone pine wood radiates invitingly, not only in the urban chic part but also in the more rustic part of the venue. The restaurant offers excellent value for money and its menu stretches from local specialities to tried classics and pizzas. Read More.

The Alps cause many climatic variations throughout Switzerland. In the higher Alpine regions temperatures tend to be lower on average, while the lower land of the northern area has higher temperatures and warm summers. Temperatures are likely to reach the teens C and 20's C (60's and 70's F) during the day, with cooling breezes and occasional rain. At night the temperature will drop quite a bit, depending on the altitude. Mountain weather is fickle. It can range from blue skies with the temperature in the low 20's C (70s F) to cloudy, wet, cold days on which rain gear and warm garments are necessary.

Transport and Travel Conditions

Local land transport provided by private bus, 16-24 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'); local bus, taxi, and train. Numerous walking tours on uneven / cobbled surfaces. This tour is not strenuous per se, but you MUST be able to manage with your own luggage at rail stations and from station to hotels nearby.

Accommodation

Mid-range (3*), well-located, air-conditioned, simple hotels and inns throughout. Many are smaller properties (2-3 story) and may not have elevators. All hotels have en suite toilet and bath, though some will have shower only (no tub). Porters may be available (see 'Inclusions'), though you must be prepared to manage your own luggage to and from your hotel room.